Effect of whole body vibration training on bone mineral density and functional capacity in children with thalassemia

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of whole body vibration (WBV) on bone mineral density (BMD) and functional capacity in children with beta-thalassemia major. Methods: Thirty-nine children (23 boys and 16 girls) with beta-thalassemia major, with ages ranging from 6 to 10 years, participated in a randomized controlled trial. They were selected and randomly divided, using computer-generated random numbers into two groups. The control group (n = 20) received the medical treatment and the physical therapy program whereas the study group (n = 19) received the same program as the control group in addition to WBV training (25-30 Hz, 2 mm amplitude, 10 repetitions (30-60 s) with 1 min rest, 15-20 min/day, 3 days/week/24 weeks). Bone mineral density and functional capacity were assessed before and after 24 weeks. Results: Both groups showed a significant increase in BMD and functional capacity after treatment compared with that before treatment (P < 0.05). However, children in the study group demonstrated a significant increase in the functional capacity and the BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total body compared with that of the control group (P > .01). Conclusions: Whole body vibration may be an effective modality in improving BMD and functional capacity in children with beta-thalassemia major.